KHAGRACHARI: The hill tracts have come alive with the colors of “Sangrai,” the traditional New Year festival of the Marma community. To mark the occasion of bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new, the Marma Unnayan Sangsad organized a grand colorful procession in the Bottola area of Pankhaiyapara, Khagrachari, on Tuesday (14 April) morning.
The procession was officially inaugurated by the Chairman of the Hill District Council, Shefalika Tripura. People of all ages from the Marma community participated in the parade, dressed in their traditional attire and jewelry, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of traditional musical instruments that filled the city with a festive spirit.
The highlight of the Sangrai festival, the Jalkeli or water-splashing ceremony, commenced immediately following the procession. This central attraction was inaugurated by the Khagrachari Region Commander of Bangladesh Army, Brigadier General K.M. Obaidul Huq. High-ranking officials, including the President of Marma Unnayan Sangsad, Mongpru Chowdhury, and other community leaders, were present to witness the event. During the ceremony, local artists performed captivating musical and dance displays. The atmosphere reached a peak of excitement as young men and women joyfully splashed water on each other, a ritual believed to wash away the sorrows and impurities of the past year while ushering in peace for the future.
While the Marma community celebrates Sangrai, other indigenous groups are also observing their respective traditions. Today marks the third day of the Biju festival for the Chakma community, known as “Gojjapojjya,” which they began with special prayers and the chanting of Mangalsutra at Buddhist monasteries. Meanwhile, the Tripura community is celebrating the second day of their Boisu festival, called “Boisuma.” On this day, they prepare “Pachon,” a traditional vegetable delicacy, to entertain guests and neighbors. Although the core formalities of these festivals—collectively known as Boisabi—last for three days, the cultural resonance and various traditional sporting events are expected to continue across the hills for several more days.
